H.R. 4552: Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2026

The bill, H.R. 4552, outlines appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, covering various programs and projects intended to improve infrastructure and housing in the United States.

Transportation Funding

This legislation allocates significant funds for transportation initiatives, including:

• $200 million for Tribal transportation programs.
• $200 million for freight and highway projects.
• Additional funding aimed at improving safety and efficiency in transportation systems.

The bill includes specific provisions governing the use of these funds, ensuring proper administrative oversight and distribution for selected projects.

Housing Assistance

In terms of housing, the bill provides funding for various assistance programs, including:

• Support for public housing agencies, with a mandate to prorate funding allocations.
• Emergent cost adjustments.
• Special programs aimed at assisting the homeless and Native American communities.
• Rental assistance for elderly and disabled individuals.
• Research aimed at improving housing quality, such as lead hazard reduction initiatives.

Provisions are included for recapturing unused funds and enabling conditional transfers of project-based assistance among multifunctional housing projects to promote efficiency and enhance tenant support.

Reporting and Oversight

The bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to report on tenant protections and make legislative recommendations. It also enforces restrictions on fund usage, such as prohibiting funding for executive salaries, certain grants, and mortgage guarantees related to eminent domain. There is an emphasis on providing advance notice for grant awards and establishing clear conditions for fund allocation and oversight.

Project Amendments

Moreover, the bill makes amendments to project titles and recipients, including a notable name change from "Germany Road Relocation Project" to "Sewer Improvements." It also updates various priorities and responsibilities associated with the designated projects while instituting restrictions on specific expenditures, such as automated traffic cameras and certain contractor agreements.

Other Provisions

Additionally, the bill specifies that repurposed funds must comply with designated provisions of Public Law 118–5 and establishes that the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation will have representatives from Virginia and Maryland, emphasizing the need for historic preservation and reduced federal support for ongoing redevelopment efforts.

Relevant Companies

• CSX - This company may be impacted by the funding for freight and highway projects as improvements in infrastructure could affect transportation efficiency and logistics.
• United Rentals, Inc. - As a large provider of equipment for construction and infrastructure projects, they may see increased business from new transportation initiatives funded by this bill.